Cheryl "Mama" Jacks

Cheryl Galloway Jacks, born August 2, 1944, in North Kansas City, Missouri, and a lifelong resident of Clay County, passed away peacefully surrounded by those who loved her.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 61 years, Benny Jacks, and by her sister, Karen, with whom she shared a close lifelong bond.

She is survived by her only child, David Eugene Jacks (Alie); her grandchildren, Sam (Charlie) and Donna Sue (Eric); and her niece Natalie (Scott), who held a special place in her life and whom Cheryl loved like a daughter. Cheryl also delighted in claiming Natalie's son, as a bonus grandson Austin (Arianna) and thier daughter Vivian.

For 49 years, Cheryl served as the office manager at United Country Real Estate, where she became known not only for her dedication and work ethic but for the many friendships she formed along the way. She loved people and had a gift for bringing them together. At work she was affectionately known as "Mama"-a title she earned for the way she looked out for everyone, offered advice (whether requested or not), and, as her coworkers would say with a smile, "got in their business" when she thought someone needed looking after.

Some of Cheryl's happiest memories were made at the Lake of the Ozarks, where she, Benny, and Dave spent decades entertaining friends, boating, and enjoying weekends on the water. The lake was a place of laughter, hospitality, and countless stories that friends and family will remember for years to come.

Cheryl also had a lifelong love for Boston Terriers. Over the years she shared her home with many beloved canine companions-each one affectionately named either Butch or Spike.

In the final 18 months of her life, Cheryl lived at Our Lady of Mercy Country Home in Liberty, where she was cared for with kindness and dignity by her physician, Dr. Mark Angles, and the dedicated staff who came to love her deeply. Even as she struggled with dementia, Cheryl's spirit and personality continued to shine. She had a way of drawing people together, earning the affectionate nickname "the Pit Boss" from the activities coordinator for the way she gathered friends around her on the third-floor assisted living unit.

Cheryl will be remembered for her warmth, humor, and the way she made every gathering feel like a celebration. Her greatest joy was the people in her life, and her legacy lives on in the many friendships and family bonds she nurtured over the years.

The family is deeply grateful to the staff of Our Lady of Mercy Country Home for the love and dignity they showed Cheryl, and for the time they gave her to form new friendships in such a welcoming, home-like community. In lieu of flowers, the family recommends memorial donations to the Sister Mary Margaret Fund at OLM, which assists the elderly with rent payments to ensure they can live in the same loving environment Cheryl enjoyed